Iran Conflict: What’s Unfolding on Day 17 of U.S.-Israel Attacks?
Israel has initiated a fresh wave of attacks on Tehran as the ongoing conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran reaches its 17th day. The situation in the Gulf region remains tense, with authorities in Dubai temporarily halting flights at Dubai International Airport following a drone incident that caused a fire nearby. Later, Emirates, a major airline based in Dubai, announced the resumption of limited flights, although several routes were still canceled for the day.
Saudi Arabia also reported intercepting drones, while attacks continued in Iraq and Lebanon. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump made a social media post accusing Iran of being a “master of media manipulation” by using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread disinformation about its military successes. However, he did not provide any evidence to support his claims.
What Happened in the Past 24 Hours
In Iran
Israel declared that it launched a new round of strikes in Tehran. In response, Iran’s Mehr news agency stated that the country was countering “hostile targets in the skies” over the capital. The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported that one of its clinics and an aid relief post were damaged during the latest Israeli raids.
During an interview with CBS News, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied Trump’s assertion that Tehran is seeking a ceasefire. He emphasized that Iran has never requested a truce or even negotiations, stating, “We are ready to defend ourselves as long as it takes.”
The spokesperson for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Brigadier-General Ali Mohammad Naini, mentioned that most of the IRGC’s weapons stockpile remains intact. He noted that the missiles used in the current conflict are from a decade ago and that Iran has not yet deployed missiles produced since the 12-day war with Israel.
Iranian authorities arrested 18 individuals accused of working for Iran International, a satellite news channel that Tehran has claimed has ties to Israel. According to state-funded broadcaster Press TV, the arrests were made in connection with this alleged collaboration.
As of Sunday, 1,444 people had been killed in Iran, and 18,551 had been injured.
In the Gulf
Authorities in Dubai reported a fire that broke out after a drone-related incident near the airport. A fuel tank was affected, but the fire was eventually contained. Flights at the airport were temporarily suspended but resumed with a limited schedule on Monday.
Saudi Arabia confirmed that it intercepted 37 drones in the eastern part of the country on Monday. However, Riyadh did not specify the origin of the drones. Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar also reported drone interceptions on Sunday.
Saudi state media revealed that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed regional developments during a phone call. They affirmed that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries will continue to take all necessary measures to protect their territories.
In the U.S.
While traveling on Air Force One, Trump claimed that the U.S. was targeting Iran’s drone factories. He stated, “Iran has very little firepower left. We have decimated their manufacturing capability.” In a post on Truth Social, he further criticized Iran, calling it “militarily ineffective and weak” and accusing it of using AI as a “disinformation weapon.”
Trump added that Iran had shown “phony ‘Kamikaze Boats'” that appeared powerful but did not exist. His comments came amid growing concerns about the use of technology in modern warfare.
In Israel
Local media reported that air raid sirens were activated in central Israel early on Monday after a missile was fired from Iran. However, the projectiles landed in an open area, and no casualties were reported. Later, sirens blared in southern Israel as well.
In Iraq, Lebanon, and Jordan
An Iraqi security source told Al Jazeera that an air raid hit the headquarters of the pro-Iranian Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) in the Jurf al-Sakhar area, injuring three people. Iraqi security sources also indicated that the country’s air defenses responded to drones near the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and the Balad airbase in Salah al-Din.
Israel launched additional waves of attacks on southern Lebanon, with the Israeli military announcing limited ground operations against Hezbollah. The death toll in Lebanon has reached 850, including more than 100 children.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that non-state armed groups fired upon three of its patrols on Sunday afternoon. This highlights the ongoing volatility in the region and the challenges faced by international peacekeeping forces.
